Senate Recap, April 8

Sen. Nick Andrew of Interdisciplinary Programs presented a resolution to the Associated Students of the University of Nevada Senate in opposition to Assembly Bill 375, sponsored by Assemblywoman Victoria Dooling, R-Las Vegas, and Sen. Scott Hammond, R-Las Vegas.

The proposed bill allows public schools to restrict students to restrooms, locker rooms and showers that correspond with their biological sex rather than their gender identity.

Sen. emeritius Raina Benford of Division Community Health Science said she supports the resolution because she does not believe students should be obligated to align with gender binary norms.

The resolution received a unanimous vote.

RESOLUTION AGAINST PROPOSED VOTER ID LAW PASSES

The Public Affairs committee passed its last resolution, S. Res. 82-142, in opposition to voter ID laws in Nevada with a 12-4 vote.

Currently, Nevada law matches voter signatures used in the election board register to the signatures found on voter registration applications or another government-issued identification to prove voter identity. If the signatures do not correspond, voters can be asked to present photo ID or complete a provisional ballot.

Sen. emeritus Quinn Jones of the College of Liberal Arts said that such requirements disproportionately affect individuals from minority ethnicities, low-wage jobs and those without transportation.

However, the bills would allow individuals with financial hardships to receive a free voter ID card from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Center for Student Engagement Associate Director James Beattie argued that even if the card were free, individuals holding more than one job would likely not have the time to apply for one.

SENATE PUSHES FOR SEMITIC TOLERANCE AT UNR

Sen. emeritus Zachary Brounstein of the College of Engineering advocated for Semitic tolerance at the University of Nevada, Reno in senate resolution 82-149. Brounstein was inspired to submit the resolutions after reviewing acts of violence and hate crimes committed against Jewish students that have occurred in the last few years on college campuses.

The Jewish senator speculates that this tension is a result of the conflict between Palestine and Israel, as well as from terrorist organizations associated with the region.

“Although it is perfectly acceptable to disagree with the actions of a nation…, it is not acceptable to jump from to the condemnation of country to the condemnation to a race of people,” Brounstein said.

The senate passed the resolution unanimously.

Rocío Hernández can be reached at rhernandez@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @rociohdz19.